Magical News for Disney this May/June 2014

With the summer right around the corner there are definitely some buzz worthy news all over Walt Disney World Resort and Disney Cruise Lines! With all this fun there is sure to be something for everyone this summer!

Star Wars Weekends Adds Another Weekend in 2014

The power of the Force returns to Disney’s Hollywood Studios for five consecutive weekends (every Friday, Saturday and Sunday) from May 16-June 15, 2014 for the park’s annual Star Wars Weekends.

Guests will enjoy a galactic event jam-packed with out-of-this-universe entertainment and their favorite Disney’s Hollywood Studios attractions.  More than 60 characters from the Star Wars saga appear in the theme park, and each evening will end with “Symphony in the Stars,” a special pyrotechnics salute to the films. New this year are two character dining options celebrating the Star Wars saga which will be available to guests for breakfast and dinner.

Star Wars celebrities will make special appearances in star conversations, autograph sessions and photo opportunities throughout each day. Also not to be missed: the “Legends of the Force” parade, which features a cavalcade of Star Wars characters, Disney characters and more parading down Hollywood Blvd.  Fans will have the opportunity to purchase limited-edition and event-exclusive items in “Darth’s Mall.”

Most of the activities during Star Wars Weekends are included in regular admission to Disney’s Hollywood Studios.  For more information and the latest updates, guests can visit DisneyTheForce.com, DisneyParksBlog.com and StarWars.com.  Guests also can join the conversation online using the hashtag #DisneyTheForce.

Epcot Invites Guests to Sample, Sip and Stay Awhile Longer

The magic no longer has to end once the sun sets during the 21st Epcot International Flower & Garden Festival. This new after-dark experience gives guests one more taste of World Showcase excitement like never before.

The IllumiNations Sparkling Dessert Party bursts with color in the sky, and bubbles in the glass. Guests can sample decadent desserts from around the world, paired with the perfect international sparkling wines in an intimate and exclusive environment – all while enjoying Epcot’s nightly fireworks spectacular, IllumiNations: Reflections of Earth.

Menus at the various Epcot pavilions include: Italy: Tiramisu, France: Vanilla Pot de Crème, United Kingdom: Shortbread Cookies, Morocco: Traditional Baklava, American Adventure: Sugar Dusted Cronis with Strawberry Sauce and Whipped Cream, Disney Parks ice cream novelties, Lemonade, coffee, teas, Sparkling wine from Washington State and Prosecco from Italy. (Menus subject to change)

Guests can book the experience by calling 407-WDW-PLAY or by visiting Disneyworld.disney.go.com/destinations/epcot for more information.

Epcot After Hours Wind Down

New this year Walt Disney World Resort guests can now sample and savor flavors from around the world after the nightly finale with the Epcot After Hours Wind Down, an intimate experience at one of four authentic and exclusive lounges. Award-winning Epcot Chefs and Sommeliers pair a beverage flight with cultural cuisine.

This experience is available weekly Thursday through Sunday from 9:20 to 11 p.m. and can be booked at Disneyworld.com/Spring. Locations include: La Cava del Tequila (Mexico), Spice Road Table (Morocco), Tutto Gusto Wine Cellar (Italy), Rose & Crown Pub (United Kingdom)

The scrumptious menu includes a selection of appetizers and one beverage flight (cash bar option available to purchase additional beverages) and the price is $35 per person/per location (tax and gratuity not included, must be at least 21 to attend)

Sounds Like Summer Concert Series Heats Up at Epcot Starting in June

Chart-topping classics will fill the air at Epcot this summer when high-energy bands rock the mic during Sounds Like Summer concert series. Performing hits from U2, Journey, Boston, and more, seven acts will take the stage in June and July at America Gardens Theatre in World Showcase.

This year’s line up includes:

• June 8-14:  Hotel California ~ A Salute to the Eagles
• June 15-21: Don’t Stop Believin’ ~ Journey Tribute Band
• June 22-28: Good Vibrations ~ A Tribute to The Beach Boys
• June 29-July 5: Don’t Look Back ~ Boston Tribute Band
• July 6 to 12: Stayin’ Alive ~ A Tribute to the Bee Gees
• July 13 to 19: Slippery When Wet ~ The Ultimate Bon Jovi Tribute
• July 20 to 26: 2U ~ A Tribute to U2

Show times are 5:30, 6:45 and 8 p.m. – except on July 4 when show times are 5:15, 6:30, 7:45 and 9 p.m.  Sounds Like Summer concerts are included with Epcot admission (Entertainment subject to change without notice).

Disney Parks Invites Guests to ‘Rock Your Disney Side’ with 24-Hour Event on Both Coasts

Disney Parks guests are invited to show their “Disney Side” and kick off summer during a bi-coastal, all-night extravaganza — “Rock Your Disney Side: 24-Hours.” Taking place this Memorial Day Weekend this event at will take place at select parks for 24 hours at Walt Disney World Resort in Florida and Disneyland Resort in California.

Magic Kingdom in Florida and Disneyland Park and Disney California Adventure in California will be overflowing with great Disney heroes and villains from 6 a.m., May 23 to 6 a.m., May 24, 2014, local time** marking the beginning of a summer of fun at Disney Parks. The magical celebration on both coasts will feature a cavalcade of events showcasing the good-vs.-evil of classic Disney stories including character meet-and-greets throughout the parks, special entertainment, event merchandise, and food and beverage offerings. Along with the entertainment guests have grown to love every day, they’ll discover surprise additions and special events throughout the 24 hours.

Disney’s Water Parks Add to Summer Vacation Fun at Walt Disney World Resort

Whether guests want to lounge on the beach or take the plunge and try every attraction, Walt Disney World Resort water parks are the perfect place to cool off this summer. At Disney’s Typhoon Lagoon, celebrating its 25^th anniversary this year, guests can snorkel with sharks, stingrays and tropical fish in a coral reef, plunge down rushing rapids, sunbathe on the sandy beach and glide down a lazy river. Themed as a melting ski resort where a freak snowstorm hit Florida, Disney’s Blizzard Beach is home to some of the most thrilling water rides in the United States, while also offering guests a tranquil river to float down or a great place to relax on the beach. For the most up-to-date park hours, visit disneyworld.com/water-parks.

High-Speed Fun Comes to Downtown Disney during Car Masters Weekend

Looking for the perfect way to celebrate Father’s Day? Car Masters Weekend is the perfect place to be as Downtown Disney hosts a classic car show with a modern twist June 14-15, 2014. Featuring all things “Cars,” the event showcases classic, muscle and exotic vehicles from across the country; a chance for guests to meet favorite “Cars″ characters such as Lightning McQueen and Mater; as well as special celebrity appearances. Completing the car-filled weekend, fans may purchase tickets for a ”Cars” & “Cars 2″ movie marathon at AMC Downtown Disney 24 and enjoy face painting, themed food and beverage, live entertainment and more. (Entertainment subject to change)

Orlando City Soccer Club Continues 2014 Regular Season at ESPN Wide World of Sports

Orlando City Soccer Club will continue to play its 2014 regular-season home games at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex throughout the summer. To enhance the experience for spectators, additional stadium seating has been added to surround all four sides of the main soccer field at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex, bringing seating to approximately 5,200.

This is the Lions’ final United Soccer League (USL) season before becoming the 21st Major League Soccer (MLS) franchise in 2015.

Below is the Lions’ 2014 regular-season home schedule at ESPN Wide World of Sports Complex:

• Sunday, May 4 @ 7:30 p.m. vs. OKC
• Wednesday, May 21 @ 7:30 p.m. vs. Charlotte
• Saturday, May 31 @ 7:30 p.m. vs. Charleston
• Saturday, June 7 @ 7:30 p.m. vs. Impact Reserves
• Wednesday, June 11 @ 7:30 p.m. vs. Orange County
• Saturday, June 28 @ 7:30 p.m. vs. LA Galaxy II
• Saturday, July 12 @ 7:30 p.m. vs. Wilmington
• Saturday, August 2 @ 7:30 p.m. vs. Charlotte
• Saturday, August 16 @ 7:30 p.m. vs. Harrisburg
• Sunday, August 31 @ 7:30 p.m. vs. Dayton
• Saturday, September 6 @ 7:30 p.m. vs. Richmond

Disney Cruise Line Returns to Europe and Alaska this Summer with New Itineraries and Ports

The Disney Magic returns to the Mediterranean this summer with fascinating new ports and popular destinations, treating guests to the best of Europe. New for the European season, Disney Cruise Line will use Venice, Italy as a home-port for select sailings. During these cruises, the Disney Magic overnights in Venice, giving guests the opportunity to experience an evening in the spectacular city. Disney Cruise Line also will visit new destinations in the Greek Isles and Sicily for the first time. Guests will experience richly diverse cities and cultures, showcasing iconic locations, romantic boulevards, bustling bazaars, sun-drenched islands and the brilliant blue Mediterranean Sea.

Throughout the summer season, the Disney Wonder sails seven-night cruises from Vancouver to Tracy Arm, Skagway, Juneau and Ketchikan, Alaska. One special nine-night cruise calls on Sitka, Alaska—a first for Disney Cruise Line. These cruises combine the natural wonder and adventurous spirit of Alaska with the unparalleled, family-friendly experience found on a Disney ship. Disney Cruise Line works closely with Alaskan tour operators to create exclusive-to-Disney family-friendly Port Adventures that allow guests to experience Alaska’s natural beauty and rich history.

The Disney Dream and Disney Fantasy will continue to sail out of Port Canaveral for summer 2014.